Review by Ben for Voivod - Angel Rat (1991)

It always takes me a while to enjoy Voivod's albums. They're so strange that it generally takes about 5 or 6 listens before I can come to grips with everything going on. Once they get under my skin though, there's no getting them out. As much as I tried to like Angel Rat, and I knew it was going to be difficult from the start, I just can't get into it. It still has its moments of course, as these guys are just too creative to put out a whole album of useless, uninspired music. But as an album following up a massively successful period for the band, Angel Rat is terribly disappointing.

As soon as Panorama kicks in, it's obvious Voivod have taken a lighter, rockier approach. The thrash metal is no longer prominent and the bizarre sci fi imagery has been watered down. Things still get weird and both the music and lyrical content are still straight out of the twilight zone, but it's all just that little bit less intriguing due to the simplicity of it all. By the time The Prow, Best Regards and Twin Dummy have passed by, Angel Rat threatens to drop right off the radar. But I do enjoy a couple of the tracks towards the end of the album, especially Golem, which is Voivod the way I like them. Full of discordant riffs, computerised vocals and completely unique melodies. Unfortunately, there aren't enough of these moments on the album to put this anywhere near these Canadian's best work.